- Person-centred approach
- Trauma-aware care
- Practical strategies
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom with four years' experience working in NHS mental health, child protection and trauma-focused services. He holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and a BSc in Sociology with Psychology, and is listed as a BACP Therapist - Registered Member (MBACP) and NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred). Shea aims to make the first step easier for people who feel unsure about therapy.
He works from a person-centred, trauma-informed stance and adapts his approach to each person. Sessions begin with listening so people feel heard and understood before any practical steps are suggested. He commonly helps with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship concerns, and also supports people facing stress, work strain and issues around intimacy and identity.
Shea draws on a range of methods to suit the individual, including client-centred and trauma-focused work alongside cognitive behavioural and solution-focused techniques. This mix allows him to use practical strategies for present problems and deeper exploration where that helps.
His background includes work with people affected by domestic abuse, bereavement, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, as well as first responder issues and caregiving strain. That experience shapes a calm, attentive way of working that aims to balance empathy with clear, achievable steps.
Shea describes therapy as a team effort. He encourages people to set the pace and focus on goals that matter to them, whether they seek short-term support or longer-term work. If you prefer a straightforward, respectful approach, his style may suit you.
How Shea uses therapeutic approaches online
Client-centred work focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship. It helps people find their own solutions by giving space to talk without judgement and by reflecting what matters to them.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions interact. It offers straightforward strategies to reduce anxiety, improve mood and change unhelpful habits over a few focused sessions.
Trauma-focused therapy pays attention to how past events affect a person's day-to-day life and sense of safety. It aims to help people process distressing memories and learn ways to cope with triggers and strong emotions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shea will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and will suggest ways of working together. Decisions about methods are made collaboratively and adjusted as progress is reviewed.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact session formats available before booking. Many people appreciate online therapy because it can fit around work and family life, cut travel time and make regular sessions easier to keep. Online work can also allow shorter check-ins when needed, and it can be easier to attend when bandwidth or camera use needs to be limited.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What problems does Shea help with?
He works with a wide range of concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship and family issues. He also supports people with intimacy-related matters, sleep problems, career stress and compassion fatigue.
What is Shea's style in sessions?
He starts by listening so people feel heard and then adapts methods to each person. Sessions mix empathetic listening with practical steps when that is helpful.
What experience does Shea bring?
He has four years' experience working across NHS mental health, child protection, trauma and suicide intervention settings. That work has informed his trauma-aware, person-centred practice.
What qualifications and membership does he hold?
Shea holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and a BSc in Sociology with Psychology. He is a BACP Therapist - Registered Member (MBACP) and an NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred).
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shea?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.